We have successfully completed the project for the extension of the magnetic resonance imaging in the Pelhřimov Hospital. The construction is approved and nothing prevents the commissioning of this necessary diagnostic equipment. The main investor of the project was the Vysočina Region, and the cost, excluding medical equipment, amounted to CZK 25.5 million. This implementation will enable the Pelhřimov Hospital to further improve the quality of diagnostic medical services for patients in its region.
As part of this project, Obermeyer Helika acted as the general designer and was responsible for the complete preparation of the project documentation, including technological specifications and equipment, occupational health and safety (OHS) planning. The company also participated in the selection of the construction contractor and performed author’s supervision throughout the construction period.
„Overall, the construction of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility was a complex process that required careful planning, coordination and collaboration between architects, engineers and medical staff. By taking the right approach to the technical challenges and being sensitive to the needs of patients and staff, an environment was created that maximizes the efficiency of MR diagnostics while providing comfort and safety for all parties involved,“ says project chief engineer Ing. Jiří Houda of Obermeyer Helika adds: „This specific construction will allow the expansion of the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. The new imagingfacility has been created using magnetic resonance technology with a field strength of 1.5 Tesla.“
Technical details and specifications of the MR extension
After the decision was made to build the new MR department as an extension to the existing main pavilion building of Pelhřimov Hospital, it was necessary not only to design and build the new premises, but also to modify the existing premises. This was done in order to ensure smooth operation of the new additional section, while meeting the requirements of the medical staff and the expectations of the patients. In the new extension, space was created for a modern diagnostic MRI machine, a control room and related technical facilities. The adjacent ground floor of the existing imaging section was partially modified to accommodate a waiting room, preparation room, labeling room and other necessary operational areas for MRI.
One of the main tasks was to ensure the isolation of the new MR department from the rest of the hospital. The electromagnetic field generated by the MR equipment is sensitive to external interference, which can adversely affect the quality of the images. Therefore, specific building materials and construction techniques were used by the technology supplier to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure an optimal working environment for diagnostics.
Another aspect was the design of the MR technology cooling. The cooling system keeps the magnet at a stable temperature, minimizing the effect of temperature fluctuations on the performance and accuracy of diagnostic results. At the same time, it protects the magnet from overheating.
The project also included the replacement of the HVAC and cooling systems for the adjacent CT site. During the CT shutdown for a predefined period, it was necessary to ensure adequate medical service in cooperation with the surrounding hospitals and the health and emergency services system.
„The construction of a new MRI workplace is a challenge that requires not only technical expertise but also an empathetic approach to the needs of patients and medical staff,“ says the project’s chief engineer Ing. Jiří Houda, the chief engineer of the project, adds: „We are pleased that we were able to contribute to expanding the diagnostic capabilities of the Pelhřimov Hospital and that, thanks to close cooperation with the hospital and the contractor and technology supplier, the construction work was carried out with minimal disruption to the hospital’s normal operations.“
